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Cartridge Recommendation

Hi Guys
I need advice on a cartridge recommendation for the following set up. 
Table is a Clear Audio Performance DC with a Clarify Tonearm. Phono is a Avid Pellar. I am currently using the High Output Virtuso V2 that came with the package. I am looking for a low output cartridge in the $1000-1500 budget. I have also used a Dynavector Karat D17 with this table and loved it though I had trouble setting this cart because I feel it was a bit light for the tonearm (compliance?). Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 
I am looking for tight bass response and mids. 
srafi

Showing 2 responses by sbank

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
What's the effective mass of the tonearm? Cheers,
Spencer
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
@srafi I just did a direct comparison of the ART9 and the XX2 (mkI not MkII), both on a modded to the max SL1200 with Terminator T3Pro arm. They were pretty close in my opinion, the owners of each preferred their own purchases. The ART9 was clearly a great value at its price.
My quick descriptions: ART9: balanced, more micro details, low key presentation, wider soundstage; great with full symphony, maybe a little polite & boring
XX2: Richer mids, more natural dynamics, organic; good on vocals, rock, lesser recordings, not as many "hifi attributes"
All this was based on only one session of about 3 hours. 
If I could get the Dyna for a small increment over the AT, I might go that way. Wish we had a 17D3 to try at the same time. That would have been interesting. There is another thread with comments about all this...In the end I chose something else and thought I could always head this direction later if I get the urge. Cheers,
Spencer
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